News and Events in the Harrogate District

CCTV appeal following York bag snatch

Yorkpolice have issued a CCTV image of two males they would like to speak to after an elderly woman’s bag was snatched as she walked to the shops in Woodthorpe.

At around 1.20pm on Friday 22 June 2012, the 81-year-old York woman was walking towards the shops on Moorcroft Road when she saw two males ahead of her. One of them walked towards her and snatched her shopping bag.

The woman was not injured during the incident, but was very shaken and upset. The thieves stole cash, bank cards and personal items.

The shopping bag was later found on a garage roof but the woman’s purse is still missing. If anyone finds a discarded purse they are asked to contact police on 101.

The CCTV image shows two males who were seen walking behind a different woman prior to the reported bag-snatch. Although during this earlier incident no offence was committed.

The first male is described as aged around 17 with dark hair and facial hair. He was wearing a brown coat with the hood up and blue tracksuit bottoms with white stripes down each leg.

The second is described as taller than the youth in the brown coat, of slim build and was wearing a grey top and grey tracksuit trousers.

Acomb police have carried out extensive enquiries to locate the suspects and have provided reassurance patrols in the area, however, they are appealing for members of the public to contact them if they have any information which could assist the investigation.

PC Colin Sutherland of York police, said:

I am appealing to members of the public to help us identify the two people shown in the CCTV as I believe they could have important information which could help the investigation.

This was a heartless act against an elderly member of our community. Everyone should be able to go about their daily business without the fear of this type of incident. Those responsible for this despicable act must be caught before they strike again.

Anyone with any information which could help the police investigation is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for Acomb Police.

Or, you can pass information on to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.

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